We've all heard the advice about presentations: "Tell them what you're going to tell them; then tell them; and then tell them what you told them." That gives you a license to be boring. Forget it.

For my own speeches, I like to use PowerPoint slides as cue-cards so that my audience can follow along with me. My slides are typically short, brief points, so that they don't spend time reading the slide instead of paying attention to what I'm saying. And it keeps me on track.

It's nice to have some pictures and diagrams to show. PowerPoint has many cute features - pictures sliding, or spinning in from space, etc. Don't overdo it. Keep it simple.

Of all the techy types, no one rivals the skills and pizzazz in presenting as Apple's Steve Jobs. His iPhone introduction has five lessons for making a superb sales pitch:

1. Build tension - generate drama, with a couple of surprises.
2. Stick to one theme per slide - one slide, one key point.
3. Add pizzazz to your delivery - vary your speed and tone.
4. Practice - don't wing it, rehearse your presentation.
5. Show enthusiasm - loosen up and have fun.

And practice, practice, practice.